It’s been quite a year for AS Monaco. After reaching its first EuroLeague Championship Game last May, Vassilis Spanoulis’s squad is determined to take the final step this season – and Friday night’s 100-95 win over Real Madrid served as a strong statement.

Monaco closes out 2025 with win over Real Madrid

It’s been quite a year for [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/). After reaching its first EuroLeague Championship Game last May, Vassilis Spanoulis’s squad is determined to take the final step this season – and Friday night’s 100-95 win over [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) served as a strong statement.

Despite hitting triple digits for the fourth time in its past five home games, Monaco left the floor feeling it still had another gear to reach. Spanoulis agreed. His team totaled just 17 assists – its fourth-lowest mark of the season – and surrendered 95 points, the third-most it has allowed in this campaign.

“We can play better defense, but they made some crazy shots,” Spanoulis told EuroLeague TV. “We could share the ball better, but overall I’m satisfied. Congratulations to my players.”

AS Monaco-Real Madrid | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Notably, Monaco won this one through effort and grit. [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) looked poised to dominate the paint early, scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds – 5 offensive – in the first quarter alone. But Monaco responded on the glass, pulling down a season-high 17 offensive rebounds, led by [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/)’s 5 and 2 apiece from [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevarrius-hayes/010390/), [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/).

Monaco finished with 40 rebounds overall, tied for its second-highest total of the season. Curiously, it marked just the third time Monaco has reached that number this year – and the second game in a row, after collecting a season-best 41 rebounds [in a 103-77 win over FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-clears-minds-to-end-skid-beats-bayern-with-defense/).

“Against Real Madrid, \[despite\] their size, we controlled the rebounds,” Spanoulis said. “We had 17 offensive rebounds. We were there. We had effort.”

That effort didn’t come at the expense of offense. [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) was a steady threat with 22 points, while James scored 15 despite playing a less ball-dominant role than usual. [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) and [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) added 12 points apiece. Monaco’s four guards combined for 61 points, production any EuroLeague team would welcome from its backcourt.

“It was an amazing game,” Okobo said in his post-game comments. “Right after Christmas, being able to celebrate in front of our fans with a very important win against Madrid, that was special. Everybody was involved, everybody played with energy, and we got the W. That’s what matters most.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✍️ Nikola keeps making history<br><br>He has become 4th on the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> all-time scoring list 👏 Congrats !<br><br>1⃣ Mike James - 5577<br>2⃣ Nando de Colo - 5009<br>3⃣ Vassilis Spanoulis - 4455<br>4⃣ Nikola Mirotić - 4267<br>5⃣ Sergio Llull - 4257<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/YJgL7oLyaY">pic.twitter.com/YJgL7oLyaY</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/2004660736409436634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Before a brief stumble that included back-to-back losses to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Monaco’s offense had been humming. What should please Spanoulis most is that his team continues to score in bunches, even when execution isn’t perfect.

Still, the finish was tense. Leading 95-81 with 1:50 remaining, Monaco watched as Real Madrid guard [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) erupted for 14 points in a frantic 91-second stretch, pulling *Los Blancos* within four at 99-95 with eight seconds left. It was too little, too late, but it followed another warning sign after the teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 70.

Monaco steadied itself behind [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), who knocked down back-to-back three-pointers midway through the fourth and finished with 10 points. The performance also carried historical weight, as Mirotic passed [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/llull-sergio/tgb/) into fourth place on the EuroLeague’s all-time scoring list with 4,267 career points.

“We wanted to finish strong at home in the last game of 2025 here,” Strazel said. “I think we did a good job. We stayed locked in for 40 minutes and found a way to get the win. I’m proud of us.”

As Monaco looks ahead, it hopes 2026 will be the year it finally lifts the EuroLeague trophy – something James and Mirotic are still chasing. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but performances like this show Monaco can win in multiple ways, a reality that should put the rest of the EuroLeague on notice.

Game News

The backcourt carried the scoring load in a 100–95 victory

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2025-12-26T18:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv romped to an 87-112 win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on the back of a flawless team effort in which five players scored in double figures and the visitors improved to 8-10, having displayed massive potential to reach the EuroLeague postseason after a poor start to the campaign.

Maccabi runs riot to demolish Partizan and set season records

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) romped to an 87-112 win at [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) on the back of a flawless team effort in which five players scored in double figures and the visitors improved to 8-10, having displayed massive potential to reach the EuroLeague postseason after a poor start to the campaign.

It was Maccabi’s fifth win in a row as the Israeli outfit’s confidence seems to have rocketed since being allowed to play its home games back in Tel Aviv, impacting the team’s overall form as it celebrated the most emphatic win this term. 

“The return to playing in front of our fans really lifted us and it means so much to us,” head coach Oded Kattash told the post-game press conference after Maccabi broke its season record for points scored in a single game and in a single half too, after the visitors pulled away into a 43-58 halftime lead.

“Great win for us in a great atmosphere after a really bad start to the game. I really liked the attitude and the way we played together. We were more focused and aggressive after the opening 10 minutes and started to control the game. We are a more balanced team now and we know how to win games. We were struggling and had tough moments this year but the players never stopped supporting me.”

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade-Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Driven by new signing [Cam Payne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cameron-payne/014213/), who netted 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter, Partizan made a bright start and raced into a 28-17 advantage but went scoreless for six minutes after leading 31-23, as Maccabi flipped the script to edge ahead 31-36 and never looked back.

The visiting team dished out a staggering 16 assists in the first half and 29 in total, with [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/) leading the charge on 20 points, of which he netted 13 in a rampant third quarter when Maccabi sank a barrage of three-pointers. [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/) added 17 points and 6 boards for Maccabi, including some spectacular slam dunks, and the Israeli team engineered a whopping 65-101 lead early in the fourth before it took its foot off the gas. Sorkin said taking the game by the scruff of the neck before halftime was essential.

 “We knew we couldn’t give them a chance because they are going through a bad moment right now and they’re a really good team,” Sorkin said in his post-game comments. “We didn’t make a good start in the first quarter but we reacted well and showed great character. We’re getting better each week but we need to keep going, it was a big win for us and a perfect introduction to the new year.” 

Walker, who bedazzled his rivals with some effervescent long-range shooting and a brilliant breakaway dunk, confirmed Maccabi’s confidence was sky-high at the moment.

“I didn’t start off too well in the first half, specifically in the first quarter, but definitely picked it up as my teammates trusted me a lot. I keep saying this over and over again, we’ve got a lot of talent over here and we’re locking in during practice. Everyone is doing a great job individually and collectively as a team. Defensively we did a heck of a job and we played team basketball, the Maccabi way,” the livewire guard said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 W in a row <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <br><br>Now 8-10 👀 <a href="https://t.co/qHmVN16Pbt">pic.twitter.com/qHmVN16Pbt</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/2004626247457157292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having been drubbed 109-68 at Zalgiris Kaunas in the previous round, when they set a negative club record for most points conceded in a EuroLeague game, the hosts went from bad to worse as they handed new head coach Joan Penarroya a nightmare debut after he replaced interim boss Mirko Ocokoljic at the helm. The lop-sided contest resembled a boys-against-men battle for the lion’s share of the proceedings, prompting Penarroya to concede that the Serbian team faced a mountain to climb in order to get back on track after dropping to 6-12. 

“We only played good basketball in the opening eight minutes. The team needs more practice,” the Spaniard told the post-game press conference. “We need to improve, especially our energy, defense and character. It’s a moment to start doing basic things and stay together.”

He added: “Congratulations to Maccabi, they played very well, but the last 32 minutes of the game were really bad for us. We have to clear our heads and accept that we are in a bad situation, needing to improve step by step and game by game. It’s very difficult to be optimistic at the moment and what happens will depend on our mentality.”  

The Israeli side steamrolled through Belgrade for its biggest margin of victory this term

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-12-26T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out how your team got on in Round 18 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Game Center: Round 18

## Friday, December 26

### [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 87-112 Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/E2025/179/)

Maccabi celebrated its most emphatic win of the season in a comprehensive away drubbing of Partizan. The visitors wiped out an 11-point first-quarter deficit (28-17), having led by as many as 36 points in the fourth (65-101) to hand Joan Penarroya a sour debut as the Serbian team’s head coach. Having improved to 8-10, Maccabi broke several season highs – apart from the biggest margin of victory, the Israeli side also scored its most points in a game and its first-half tally of 58 was also the biggest in a half this term. This was Maccabi's fifth straight win in the EuroLeague. Partizan, in contrast, dropped to 6-12 and conceded the most points in the club’s EuroLeague history, having broken the negative record set in the previous round’s 109-68 mauling at Zalgiris Kaunas.

Among five players in double figures, Lonnie Walker scored 13 of his game-high 20 points in the third to pace Maccabi, as Roman Sorkin chipped in with 17 points and six boards. TJ Leaf had 14 and 6 while O’Shae Brisset added 11 points for the visitors. At the other end, Partizan’s new signing Cam Payne enjoyed a bright start to the game, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter and Sterling Brown added 12.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">תוצאת סיום בבלגרד 💙💛<br>לסיקור וסטטיסטיקה &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/U4MZQXAl19">https://t.co/U4MZQXAl19</a> <a href="https://t.co/4DULPtpW2L">pic.twitter.com/4DULPtpW2L</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/2004624122182009038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [AS Monaco 100-95 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/as-monaco-real-madrid/E2025/178/)

Despite an inspired fightback from Real Madrid star Facundo Campazzo, Monaco edged Los Blancos 100-95 at Salle Gaston Medecin on Friday night. Campazzo erupted for 24 second-half points, including 14 in the final 1:40 of the game, as Real Madrid came close to pulling off a surprise comeback, but Monaco did enough to hold on for the win. One of the keys for Monaco was the consistent scoring of its guards, with Elie Okobo, Mike James, Matthew Strazel and Nemanja Nedovic combining to rack up 61% of their team’s points. It seemed as though Real Madrid’s Edy Tavares was in for a huge game after posting 15 points and 7 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive end, in the first quarter, but foul trouble prevented him from making a bigger impact.

Okobo paced Monaco in scoring with 22 points, followed by James with 15, and Strazel and Nedovic with 12 apiece. Alpha Diallo also had 11 and Nikola Mirotic netted 10. Real Madrid’s efforts were led by the 28 points of Campazzo and the 21 points of Tavares, who grabbed 11 rebounds to finish with a double-double. Chuma Okeke poured in 12 points, too. Following this result, Monaco and Real Madrid now share a 10-7 record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">😤 Enorme bataille et victoire référence face au Real pour la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> ! 🔥<br><br>🙌 Merci pour l&#39;ambiance bouillante à Gaston Médecin, vous avez été exceptionnels ! 🇲🇨❤️‍🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/T6MQFmHUhw">pic.twitter.com/T6MQFmHUhw</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/2004651192228741439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Virtus Bologna 94-97 Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/virtus-bologna-olympiacos-piraeus/E2025/180/)

Olympiacos Piraeus survived a heroic fourth quarter by Virtus Bologna to hold on to a dramatic 94-97 road win that improved the team to a 10-7 record while dropping Virtus to 8-10. Olympiacos was in control and seemingly cruising, holding a 20-point lead, 57-77, late in the third quarter. However, Virtus scored 34 fourth-quarter points and closed it within a single point in the final minute. However, a big shot by Tyler Dorsey and free throws from Alec Peters secured victory for the Reds. 

Dorsey led Olympiacos with 23 points, while Evan Fournier netted 21 on 7-of-10 three-point shooting. Sasha Vezenkov scored 16, Nikola Milutinov had 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, and Peters also scored 13 for the Reds. Luca Vildoza scored 17 points, Matt Morgan had 15, and Carsen Edwards netted 14 points in defeat.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">FINAL 🏀 Virtus Bologna - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> 94-97 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIROLY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIROLY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZbU4dS0AEM">pic.twitter.com/ZbU4dS0AEM</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/2004669099880972405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, December 23

### [Dubai Basketball 99-92 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/dubai-basketball-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2025/177/)

Dubai led all night to prevail over Milan, 99-92, in a battle of direct rivals in the middle of the standings. A high-scoring first half saw Dubai hold several double-digit leads before taking a 56-49 advantage into the locker rooms, inspired by 20 points from Dwayne Bacon. Defenses got on top after the break, but McKinley Wright ensured that Dubai always stayed ahead as the hosts enjoyed a relatively comfortable finale.

Wright led the Dubai offense in style with 19 points and 9 assists, while Bacon top scored with 25. Big men Mfiondu Kabengele (17 points, 8 rebounds) and Filip Petrusev (13 points, 7 boards) also made an impact for a home team which played with focus and control throughout. Milan was paced by 15 points from Josh Nebo, while Shavon Shields (14), Zach LeDay (12), Marko Guduric (11) and Devin Booker (10) also scored in double digits. The outcome leaves the teams tied just outside the playoffs places with 9-9 records.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A brilliant performance to defend home court! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/jHoqIjOEcv">pic.twitter.com/jHoqIjOEcv</a></p>&mdash; Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket/status/2003527602636722598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 72-71 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-fc-barcelona/E2025/172/)

Wade Baldwin came up trumps for Fenerbahce in the closing seconds of the game, draining 3 free throws and blocking Kevin Punter’s shot to give his team a 72-71 win over Barcelona. He scored 9 of his 15 points in the final frame, including 5 in the final 43 seconds, as Fenerbahce held off a Dario Brizuela-inspired fourth-quarter push by Barcelona. Xavi Pascual’s only two defeats since returning to Barcelona have come in Istanbul, losing to Anadolu Efes Istanbul in his first game and now against Fenerbahce in his seventh game in charge. With this victory, Fenerbahce has won eight of its last nine games to improve to 11-6. Barcelona, on the other hand, drops to 12-6.

Talen Horton-Tucker and Tarik Biberovic top scored for Fenerbahce with 16 points apiece, followed by Baldwin with 15 and Devon Hall with 11. Nicolo Melli finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds, too. For Barcelona, Kevin Punter led the way with 20 points, Brizuela netted 12 of his 19 points in the fourth, and Miles Norris finished with 11.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">MAÇ BİZİM! 💪<br><br>Tebrikler Fenerbahçe Beko! 👏<br><br>Maç Sonucu | Fenerbahçe Beko 🆚 FC Barcelona: 72-71<br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Horton-Tucker 16, Biberovic 16, Baldwin 15, Hall 11, Melli 6, Birch 6, Colson 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/tpy2i9RaI7">pic.twitter.com/tpy2i9RaI7</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/2003549583297904966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### [Zalgiris Kaunas 85-92 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/zalgiris-kaunas-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2025/176/)

Panathinaikos secured its third straight victory by beating Zalgiris 85-92 on Tuesday evening at Zalgirio Arena. The hosts started strong, dominated in the paint and secured a 50-40 lead at halftime. But Panathinaikos tightened up its defense and held Zalgiris to 14 points in the third quarter before firing on all cylinders from deep in the fourth to finish the game off. The Greens improved their record to 12-6, with the hosts dropping to 10-8.

Cedi Osman paced Panathinaikos with 22 points and Kendrick Nunn netted 21, while TJ Shorts paired his 15 points with 10 assists and Omer Yurtseven netted 14. Moses Wright scored a career-high 22 points and Nigel Williams-Goss bagged 17, with Panathinaikos’s defense holding Sylvain Francisco to just 3 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SANTA CAME EARLY! 💚<br><br>Final Score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bczalgiris</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> 85-92<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/d6rP0UtDcb">pic.twitter.com/d6rP0UtDcb</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/2003557168096903399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [FC Bayern Munich 72-82 Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/fc-bayern-munich-hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/E2025/171/)

Hapoel spoiled the long-awaited home return home of Bayern with a 72-82 victory to extend Bayern’s losing streak to nine games - and first under new head coach Svetislav Pesic. Bayern was playing its first game back at SAP Garden after a seven-game road odyssey. First placed Hapoel already led by double figures parts of the first half but put the game out of reach with a 0-16 run over nearly 6 minutes in the third quarter to improve to 13-5.

Elijah Bryant led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Dan Oturu collected 16 points and 7 rebounds and Antonio Blakeney and Chris Jones both chipped in 12 points.  Bayern fell to 5-13 despite Andreas Obst scoring 18 points. The game was the coaching return for Bayern of newly-appointed Pesic, who set the record as the oldest coach in EuroLeague history at 76 years 3 months and 26 days, surpassing Aito Garcia Reneses who was 74 years 3 months 19 days when he coached ALBA Berlin on April 8, 20021.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ממשיכים ככה 🧰<br><br>למנויים וכרטיסים &gt;&gt;<a href="https://t.co/ND1acC9TQk">https://t.co/ND1acC9TQk</a> <a href="https://t.co/K4N0bvm367">pic.twitter.com/K4N0bvm367</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/2003564529104597209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Valencia Basket 91-81 Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/valencia-basket-kosner-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2025/175/)

Valencia staved off a late comeback attempt from rival Baskonia on Tuesday at the Roig Arena. Valencia’s three-point shooting earned it an advantage in the opening quarter. The hosts then built upon the lead in the second period, capitalizing on Baskonia’s far-too-frequent errors. Baskonia came back swinging in the second half, doing enough to stay in the contest throughout the third and eventually making a push in the final frame, even reducing the differential to just 4 points. Pedro Martinez’s men steadied the ship when it mattered though, eventually securing the 91-81 victory.

Matthew Costello played the starring role, adding 6 boards to his 18 point scoring display. Kameron Taylor and Jean Montero both chipped in with 16 points, while Brancou Badio and Omari Moore also finished the game in double figures. Eugene Omoruyi impressed for Baskonia, despite the loss, leading his team with 17 points. The result improved Valencia’s record to 12-6 heading into the holidays. Baskonia fell to 6-12 for the season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 🧡<br><br>¡¡YA TENEMOS 1️⃣2️⃣ EN EUROLIGA!! 🔥<br><br>¡¡Victoria antes de Navidad!! 😍<br><br>🏆 J18 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a><br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 91<br>🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@baskonia</a> 81<br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/Heineken_ES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Heineken_ES</a> 0,0<br><br>⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/sk9FetKPWj">pic.twitter.com/sk9FetKPWj</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/2003570265200984454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Paris Basketball 102-92 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/paris-basketball-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2025/174/)

Paris snapped a six-game losing streak with an impressive 102-92 victory over visiting Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday at Accor Arena. Only 5 points separated the sides at halftime and it was 59-55 midway through the third quarter before Paris roared with a 20-3 charge to finish the quarter. Zvezda never fully recovered. Lamar Stevens scored 6 points and Justin Robinson added 5 points and 2 assists in the game-changing run. 

Jared Butler took charge for Zvezda with 22 fourth-quarter points, which marked the second-most points ever scored in a single quarter in competition history. Nonetheless, Butler’s heroics could not get his team closer than 10.<br>
Robinson finished with 16 points and 8 assists, Nadir Hifi added 15 and 6 and Stevens netted 14 points as Paris lifted its record to 6-12. Zvezda lost its fifth straight on the road to fall to 10-8 despite Butler’s 31 points and Chima Moneke’s double-double.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">COMMENT ON DIT JOYEUX NOËL EN SERBE ??????? <a href="https://t.co/TLagjj8qta">pic.twitter.com/TLagjj8qta</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/2003584733972988267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 103-99 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2025/173/)

In a super-entertaining double-overtime thriller, ASVEL edged visiting Anadolu Efes 103-99 on Tuesday night. ASVEL improved to 5-13 on the season, registering its fifth home win in eight games this season, while Efes dropped to 6-12, and has lost two of three games under new head coach Pablo Laso.

It was a game in which no team held a double-digit lead at any point of the 50-minute affair, and where ASVEL’s unlikely hero was big man Bastien Vautier who finished with 28 points on 10-of-13 two-point shooting, including 10 points in the first overtime. Thomas Heurtel turned back the clock, collecting 17 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds, and Glynn Watson scored 18 in victory. Isaia Cordinier and Nick Weiler-Babb scored 20 apiece for Efes, with Weiler-Babb also tallying 8 assists and 6 rebounds, while Vincent Poirier posted 17 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAMA in 🇫🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> wins it in two OT<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/saK7IS7v7v">pic.twitter.com/saK7IS7v7v</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/2003591035767914560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The seven other games from this round took place on Tuesday

Game Center: Monaco triumphs at home; road wins for Maccabi, Olympiacos

Virtus Bologna v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-12-26T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-12-23T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-12-23T18:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-12-23T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2025-12-23T17:45:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-12-23T16:00:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 18 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 18

## Friday, December 26

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (18:00 CET)

##### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Partizan confirmed that Carlik Jones, Mario Nakic and Aleksej Pokusevski are all out, while Shake Milton and Tyrique Jones are game-day decisions for the game against Maccabi on Friday.

- Tyrique Jones did not play in Round 17 due to a muscle injury.
- Miika Muurinen has been out since Round 15 due to an ankle injury.
- Aleksej Pokusevski suffered an ankle injury in Round 14 and has yet to return to action.
- Carlik Jones (ankle), who last played in Round 5, has yet to return to action.
- Mario Nakic has been sidelined with a knee problem.

##### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Partizan on Friday.

- [Zach Hankins is expected to miss the next two-to-three weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabis-zach-hankins-to-miss-23-weeks-with-bone-bruise/) with a bone bruise.
- [Jeff Dowtin Jr. is expected to be out until February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-jeff-dowtin-out-six-weeks-with-foot-injury/) with a torn ligament in his foot.

### AS Monaco vs. Real Madrid (19:30 CET)

##### AS Monaco

Monaco has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Real Madrid on Friday.

- Nemanja Nedovic last played in Round 14.

##### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Monaco on Friday.

- Usman Garuba did not play in Round 16, but he returned to action in Round 17

### Virtus Bologna vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

##### Virtus Bologna

Karim Jallow will miss the game against Olympiacos on Friday.

- Dusko Ivanovic had his entire roster available in Round 17.

##### Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos confirmed that Tyson Ward, Shaquille McKissic, Moustapha Fall, and Keenan Evans will all miss the game at Virtus on Friday.

- New Olympiacos [signing Monte Morris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monte-morris-joins-olympiacos-bc/) has not yet been registered.
- Tyson Ward last played in Round 13 due to an injury.
- Shaquielle McKissic last played in Round 11.
- Keenan Evans missed the first nine rounds as he recovered from a knee injury, but [he ruptured his Achilles just two minutes into his return in Round 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/keenan-evans-suffers-achilles-rupture-in-euroleague-return/).
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.

## Tuesday, December 23

### Dubai Basketball vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (17:00 CET)

##### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Milan on Tuesday.

- Aleksa Avramovic returned to action in Round 16 but was ruled out for Round 17.
- Klemen Prepelic, out since Round 13, returned to action in Round 17.
- Dwayne Bacon, out since Round 11, returned to action in Round 17.
- Boogie Ellis last played in Round 13 due to a right hamstring injury.
- Dzanan Musa has been out since Round 2 with a knee injury.
- Nate Mason, who hasn't played this season, has undergone a discectomy after sustaining a cervical injury during practice.
- Summer signing Mam Jaiteh suffered an Achilles injury and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

##### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Nico Mannion is available but will wear a protective mask while Leandro Bolmaro, Nate Sestina, Stefano Tonut, Diego Flaccadori and Ousmane Diop are ruled out for Milan's game at Dubai on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Leandro Bolmaro did not play in Rounds 16 or 17.
- Diego Flaccadori was not fit to play in Round 17.
- Nico Mannion suffered a nasal fracture during practice, [the club announced on December 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/nico-mannion-suffers-nasal-fracture-during-practice/). He was sidelined for Round 17.
- Ousmane Diop had arthroscopic knee surgery, [the club announced on December 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ousmane-diop-has-arthroscopic-knee-surgery/). He was sidelined for Round 17.
- Stefano Tonut has missed the last five rounds. He was sidelined for Round 17.
- Nate Sestina picked up a triceps injury in Round 10 and has not played since. He was sidelined for Round 17.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona (18:45 CET)

##### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Mikael Jantunen, Onuralp Bitim and Scottie Wilbekin remain unavailable and are ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against Barcelona on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Mikael Jantunen has not played since Round 13. He was sidelined for Round 17.
- Onuralp Bitim suffered an ankle injury, [the club announced on December 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-loses-onuralp-bitim-to-ankle-injury/). He was sidelined for Round 17.
- Scottie Wilbekin is receiving treatment for knee swelling, [the club confirmed on November 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/scottie-wilbekin-receiving-treatment-for-knee-swelling/). He was sidelined for Round 17.

##### FC Barcelona

Toko Shengelia, Will Clyburn and Juan Nunez are ruled out for Barcelona's game at Fenerbahce on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Will Clyburn suffered an injury in Round 17 and [will be out for approximately the next six weeks](https://x.com/FCBbasket/status/2002694206280614084).
- Nico Laprovittola returned to action in Round 17.
- Jan Vesely did not play in Round 16. He was questionable for Round 17 but ultimately did not play, although he did return to action in the Spanish League this past weekend.
- Tornike Shengelia missed Round 16 with groin pain and did not play in Round 17.
- [Juan Nunez is out ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-guard-juan-nunez-to-miss-6-months/)due to a knee injury. He expected to be sidelined until April.

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (19:00 CET)

##### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Tuesday.

- Arnas Butkevicius, out since in Round 14, returned to action in Round 17.

##### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Kostas Sloukas and Mathias Lessort are ruled out for Panathinaikos's game at Zalgiris on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Richaun Holmes, out since Round 7, returned to action in the Greek League this past weekend. He was questionable for Round 17 but ultimately did not play. He is available for Round 18.
- Kostas Sloukas suffered an injury in the Greek League this past weekend. He is ruled out for Round 18.
- Mathias Lessort, still recovering from an injury, is yet to play this season.

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (19:30 CET)

##### FC Bayern Munich

Kamar Baldwin, Elias Harris and Rokas Jokubaitis all remain out for Bayern's game against Hapoel on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Justus Hollatz returned to action in Round 17.
- Kamar Baldwin was a late scratch for Round 10 and has not played since.
- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.

##### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Bayern on Tuesday.

- Vasilije Micic will miss Hapoel's Round 18 game with a shoulder injury.

- Guy Palatin missed the last four rounds with a back injury.

- [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-bruno-caboclo-undergoes-back-surgery/) is recovering from back surgery. There is no timetable for his recovery.

### Valencia Basket vs. Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:00 CET)

##### Valencia Basket

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui remains out and is Valencia’s only absentee for its game against Baskonia on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Xabi Lopez-Arostegui has been ruled out for the last four rounds.

##### Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Valencia on Tuesday.

- Tadas Sedekerskis underwent ankle surgery, [Baskonia announced on its website](https://www.baskonia.com/es/noticias/parte-medico-tadas-sedekerskis-5) on December 11. He last played in Round 11.

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:45 CET)

##### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday.

- Yakuba Ouattara did not play in Round 16, but he returned to action in Round 17.
- Derek Willis last played in Round 13.
- Ismael Bako last played in Round 13.

##### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Crvena Zvezda has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Paris on Tuesday.

- Chima Moneke, out since Round 15, returned to action in Round 17.
- Ognjen Dobric sustained an injury in Round 14. He has not played since.
- Yago dos Santos last played in Round 12 due to a leg injury, but has returned to domestic league action.
- Tyson Carter has been [diagnosed with pulmonary embolism](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zvezdas-tyson-carter-facing-extended-absence-with-pulmonary-embolism/) and faces a lengthy absence. He has been discharged from hospital and will continue his treatment at home.
- Jasiel Rivero hurt his foot in Round 1 and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is out long term.
- Joel Bolomboy is out long term.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:45 CET)

##### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Efes on Tuesday.

- Nando De Colo left ASVEL's Round 16 win over Bayern with an injury. He has not played since.

##### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Jordan Loyd is questionable while Shane Larkin, PJ Dozier, Georgios Papagiannis and Burakcan Yildizli are ruled out for Efes's game at ASVEL on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Forward Ercan Osmani did not play in Round 16, but he returned to action in Round 17.
- [Shane Larkin will be out until early February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-undergoes-groin-surgery-out-for-two-months/) after undergoing groin surgery, the club announced on December 3.
- PJ Dozier is out for 4-6 weeks with a thigh tear, [the club confirmed on November 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/pj-dozier-to-miss-4-6-weeks-with-thigh-tear/).
- [Georgios Papagiannis is expected to miss eight months](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-ercan-osmani-out-three-weeks-georgios-papagiannis-to-miss-eight-months/) following ACL surgery, the club confirmed on October 18.

Stay up to date with the latest injury information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 18: Jallow out; Milton, Tyrique Jones game-day decisions

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 18 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 18

## Friday, December 26

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (18:00 CET)

**Joan Penarroya, Partizan head coach**

"They’re a team that’s won four games in a row and comes in with good momentum and a positive atmosphere. Our main focus is on ourselves and continuing to improve our game. I’ve walked into a good situation with the players, especially considering how difficult the past month has been and they’re really making an effort to turn things around. I’ll do my best to prepare the team in the best possible way. The schedule makes it challenging, with limited time to work, but the players have shown great commitment and desire, and we’ll keep working to be as ready as possible."

**Cameron Payne, Partizan guard**

"I’m looking forward to the next game and the season ahead. I came here to give my best, to play with a high pace and bring energy to every game. I’m a competitor, and I believe we have a good team that needs to compete together. I can promise that my effort and energy will always be at 100%, and we will try to win every game, starting with Maccabi."

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

"We’re missing Hankins, but overall we’re in relatively good shape. The issue is that we don’t know what to expect, both in terms of their roster and because they have a new coach. We’re not really at our peak in terms of preparation, and it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

**Marcio Santos, Maccabi center**

"We know they've got a good environment. There's always a lot of fans, a lot of energy, but we come with a lot of energy too. We're practicing a lot. Everybody's confident with the work we're putting in. And I think it's just go and play our best game. I think the mental focus is very important. It's going to be loud, it's going to be difficult to talk and everything. So I think we need to know what we need to do good. We need to play good defense. We need to know where to attack, where to do the stuff and we will be good."

### AS Monaco vs. Real Madrid (19:30 CET)

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

“The team has trained quite well. We have a few little physical issues, which at this stage of the season is normal, but overall the condition is quite good. And I also expect that there will be an awareness that we are going to play against the EuroLeague runner-up, which has a core of very, very high quality and great efficiency not only on offense, but also on defense. They have been playing together for years and last year they came one step away from winning the EuroLeague. They have managed to add a top player like Nikola Mirotic and two players of great experience and effectiveness, and obviously we are talking about the highest level of competition you can face. That is why we must have a lot of discipline, a lot of concentration, a lot of patience, a great capacity to withstand frustration, because it is a team that can easily score difficult baskets on you at the end of one of your good defensive possessions, and it is also a team that can prevent you from scoring for three, four, five possessions in a row. I think that if we are mentally capable of staying in the game, of staying focused, of truly not losing confidence in our possibilities, and if we can bring it to a close finish, then we can also have chances to win, even on one of the most complicated courts there is nowadays — not because of the arena itself, but obviously because of the opponent.”​

**Alberto Abalde, Real Madrid guard**

“We approach this game with a lot of desire. It’s an important game and a challenge against a great team and a great rival that, like all teams, goes through different moments during the season, but they have a fantastic squad and a competitive roster built to be at the top all year. We’re playing away and it’s always tough to win there because they play really well… Defense is always one of the keys, but against a team with so many weapons and so many playmakers, it’s going to be a challenge. We’ll try to do a good job there and be consistent so that it’s hard for them to score, so they don’t play with rhythm, and so that we, starting from our defense, can establish our own pace and find good situations on offense. It will be a long, tough game with different moments, and we’ll have to work for the full 40 minutes and be ready for a very demanding contest!”

### Virtus Bologna vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"Olympiacos is undoubtedly one of the best teams in the Euroleague, with highly experienced players. Our opponents' greatest strength is that they have a core group of players who know each other very well and play by heart. This is certainly an additional challenge for us, as is defending against players such as Vezenkov, Dorsey and Fournier. It is important for us to play with focus, with the support of our fans."

**Nicola Akele, Virtus forward**

"Olympiacos needs no introduction. They are a strong team with a group of players who have been playing together for many years and know each other well. As always, but especially against them, our defensive approach and mental toughness will be crucial. Against such an experienced team, we will need to maintain the same level of concentration for the entire 40 minutes."

**Giorgos Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

"We have shown great improvement. In our recent games, we have scored 101 points, with more assists, creating more open spot-up opportunities. If we play with defensive intensity and move the ball well on offense, I think we’ll have a chance to win. In any case, every win is important. The more wins we get, the better. Our approach is always one game at a time.”

**Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos forward**

“It’s a team that really likes to play a very physical style of basketball, to disrupt the opponent’s system, cut off easy passes, and apply denial defense. The main focus is to match that energy and play at the same level. From there on, we have the talent and the players to give something extra, but everything has to start from that aspect.”

## Tuesday, December 23

### Dubai Basketball vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (17:00 CET)

**Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach**

"They are a team that is playing very smart with a lot of experience and a lot of quality. They have a lot of players from last year, too. Like always, we need to be very focused and we need to make it difficult for them. Hopefully the fans are going to give us energy to play intense and energetic basketball on both sides to keep the W at home."

**Klemen Prepelic, Dubai guard**

"We are facing a very experience team that lately have been in good form. They've had a couple of very good wins. As I always say, we are playing at home and we are in good form as well. We had a huge win in Istanbul, so we are trying to build on that win tomorrow in front of our fans. They punish every mistake and they have a couple of really good shooters, so we need to contain that by getting the defensive rebounds and easy baskets."

**Peppe Poeta, Milan head coach**

"Dubai is going through a good stretch of games, won three of the last four games and has a lot of offensive potential and very versatile big men. For us, the kind of job we will be able to make over McKinley Wright, who's their primary creative player, will be crucial along the ability to keep their talented scorers to go off too much."

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona (18:45 CET)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"We're playing against the hardest team in the EuroLeague right now. They are playing very good basketball. Huge improvements defensively and so much experience. Especially on the outside players, you know, with \[Tomas\] Satoransky, \[Kevin\] Punter, \[Nico\] Laprovittola, \[Dario\] Brizuela, who can decide the games by themselves. And one of the best coached team in the EuroLeague for sure."

**Talen Horton-Tucker, Fenerbahce guard**

"We just have to come out focused. Just being able to capitalize off the last EuroLeague win is something that we need to do. Knowing that they just came in as a harder and experienced team. I know they're going to play hard and not make too many mistakes. So we have to force them to play the way that we want to play. My message to our fans? Bring the energy because we're gonna need it."

**Xavi Pascual, Barcelona head coach**

"\[Fenerbahce\] is the reigning champion, an extraordinary team with a very deep roster, very well coached, as we all know, and a major force in Europe. Both teams will do a lot of defensive work and try to control the opponent’s strengths – that’s guaranteed – and on offense we’ll also try to attack their weaknesses. So I think it will be an interesting game in that sense, both for spectators and for fans who enjoy following games from a tactical perspective. The team is working very well, with a strong desire to win, very focused on doing things right, and putting in a lot of physical effort. Along the way we’ve had three injured players – well, actually four. We haven’t gotten Lapro back 100% yet. Jan \[Vesely\] helped us a little yesterday, but he’s still not fully fit, and we’re still without Will \[Clyburn\] and Toko \[Shengelia\]. So clearly the physical toll has been significant, but as long as the results keep coming, it’s always worth it."

**Miles Norris, Barcelona forward**

"The vibes are good here. Everyone's locked in, everyone's really focused in practice and coming into the games. It's always good to get some wins. We've got some momentum with us, so we're just trying to keep it rolling. It should be a fun game tomorrow, crazy atmosphere. We haven't played them yet, but I feel like everyone's focused and locked in for this game tomorrow."

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (19:00 CET)

**Tomas Masiulis, Zalgiris head coach**

"A Final Four–caliber team is coming in – a team with a lot of talent and a lot of experience, especially in the backcourt. A very tough challenge awaits us. They definitely lose experience and creativity \[with the absence of Kostas Sloukas\], but even without him they still have talented and experienced players. Others will step up. You can’t say they’re heavily damaged. Sloukas has been playing very well this season, distributing the ball and making his teammates better, so it is a loss for them to some extent. Every team focuses heavily on \[Kendrick Nunn\], yet he still averages 20 points. We have ideas, we have plans, and we’ll try to execute them. Tomorrow we’ll see how successful we are."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach**

"First of all, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Many people have sent me wishes for some rest, but there is no time to rest. We are flying to Kaunas and we have a tough game ahead of us. Zalgiris, especially at home, plays very aggressively and there is an incredible atmosphere in the arena. It will be a difficult game, but we are in good form. The EuroLeague is strange; many teams are separated by just one win, so this game is very important. Our performance on game day will decide the result. \[Kostas Sloukas\] is a very important player for us. We have a big roster, we have \[Jerian\] Grant and \[TJ\] Shorts, who will get more minutes. We have the roster to manage the situation. I hope \[Richaun\] Holmes will play. He played very well in the domestic league. We will miss Sloukas, but we have the roster to remain competitive."

**TJ Shorts, Panathinaikos guard**

"It will be a very tough game. We know their fans, I’m sure it’s already sold out. Very good team, good players. It will be a big battle. Facing \[Sylvain\] Francisco is a test. It’s not extra motivation; you always want to play well against the best. He’s having a great season. It will be a challenge for us to stop him and make things difficult for him. We are missing a player (Sloukas), so everyone will have to do a little more to fill the gap. Me, \[Kendrick\] Nunn, \[Jerian\] Grant – whoever steps on the floor will need to give a little extra for us to get the win."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (19:30 CET)

**Svetislav Pesic, Bayern head coach**

"Hapoel is currently the best team in Europe, and they are also first in Israel, in a very strong league. This opponent must motivate us to show our best basketball. And that's what we will try to do."

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"We’re facing an opponent that has spent around 40 days away from home, playing abroad, and now also working with a new coach. They’re highly motivated, and those are two very important factors. On top of that, they have a roster full of quality and very experienced players who have competed at the highest levels. For us, this is a moment to bounce back. We’re focused on playing with consistency on both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively."ž

**Collin Malcolm, Hapoel forward**

"It’s a big game for us to bounce back after the last loss. We’re facing a very competitive and talented team, and with the extra fire that comes from having a new coach, it can be tricky, but we’ll be ready."

### Valencia Basket vs. Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:00 CET)

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia head coach**

"They are different competitions. I think we shouldn't dwell too much on what happened two weeks ago and be prepared for a very tough game, as all EuroLeague games are. Baskonia is indeed achieving the results it is achieving, which are frankly very good, and obviously they have a team with players of great ability. At home, you feel more comfortable, and we're coming off two losses. First, we need to regain a little confidence from our recent results and, above all, draw energy from our fans. Not only do they have \[Timothe\] Luwawu-Cabarrot and \[Markus\] Howard, but they also have other players like \[Trent\] Forrest and \[Kobi\] Simmons. They have a very good team, with players who are very capable of scoring in many different ways, with direct blocks and indirect blocks. They're a very physical team, with big players inside who are very good, and it's obviously going to be a very difficult game.”

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:45 CET)

**Sasa Obradovic, Crvena Zvezda head coach**

"I know the Paris team very well from my time coaching in France. It’s clear what style of play they use and what we need to do. If someone is late or falls down, they will always punish you with a three-pointer or an offensive rebound. On the other hand, our rotation is shorter. Even though there is some room for rest, it’s still obvious that the team is dealing with physical issues. January is a tough month – we have to focus both on recovery and on preparing for the opponent, especially for players who play a physically demanding style. It’s good that \[Jasiel\] Rivero and \[Ognjen\] Dobric have started training. Rivero has begun activities; when \[Joel\] Bolomboy arrives, we’ll see what condition he’s in and when he can join team practice. We need to see how he reacts after everything he’s been through. Bolomboy arrives next week, Rivero is working individually, and Dobric has started running – I expect him back in a few days' time."

**Devonte' Graham, Crvena Zvezda guard**

"We need to stay aggressive, rebound, and control their pressure. We’re taking it one game at a time. These games come with a different kind of pressure. There’s not too much pressure – we just want to win."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:45 CET)

**Pablo Laso, Efes head coach**

"LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is always a dangerous team. They have a lot of physical players and when playing at home, they bring a lot of energy. This is a demanding period for every team, as we are playing many games in a short period of time. That means it's not only about being physically ready, but also about understanding mentally what we are playing for. It's crucial for us to have the right mentality and be prepared physically, because our opponent has many athletes on their roster, good scorers, and players who have played together for many years. We must play our best basketball for 40 minutes."

**Isaia Cordinier, Efes guard**

"It’s a very important game for us as we want to keep improving and keep going forward. It will be a fight that will require our maximum focus and effort to come back with the win from Lyon."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 18 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 18: 'Monaco's roster is built to be at the top'

Brancou Badio’s rise from Senegal to the EuroLeague is a story of resilience and opportunity. Discover how Valencia’s breakout guard climbed from Spain’s sixth division to Europe’s top stage.

Brancou Badio: Valencia’s spark plug and Senegal’s pride 

Six years ago, [Brancou Badio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brancou-badio/007527/) was battling in Spain’s lower leagues. Today, in his EuroLeague debut season, the explosive guard is igniting [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) off the bench, lifting fans at Roig Arena with end-to-end energy, shot-making bursts, and the occasional chase‑down block. His path from Senegal to Europe’s top competition has been anything but linear. Badio’s steady mantra — never too high, never too low — has turned every twist into a step forward. For young hoopers, his message is simple: it’s not about one moment; it’s about recognizing opportunities — and seizing them when they appear.

### From Rufisque to Spain

Born El Hadji Omar Brancou Badio — and nicknamed Papi — he was 15 and playing in Rufisque, near Dakar, when Rob Orellana of Canarias Basketball Academy (CBA) discovered him. At first glance, Badio didn’t leap off the floor. What did stand out was his feel for the game and a work ethic that beat the sunrise.

“When he made me that offer, it was a dream come true,” Badio said. “When I arrived in Spain, I saw there was a whole world to discover — and I told myself, this is just the beginning.”

The adjustment was real. After he was cleared to play for La Matanza, a CBA-linked team in Spain’s sixth division, Badio quickly flashed physicality, shooting range, and disruptive defense.

“My first year I just practiced. In the second, I played on Tenerife’s first division team — sixth division overall — with La Matanza,” he said.

### Breaking through at Barça

Progress came fast. Within a year, Diego Ocampo brought Badio into FC Barcelona’s youth setup, and a national-team call-up with Senegal followed. Ocampo handed him a major role on Barça B, where Badio averaged 13.4 points in Spain’s third division in 2019–20. On December 30, 2020, he made his EuroLeague debut for Barça, playing 22 seconds against FC Bayern Munich. The moment was short; the message was loud: keep going.

Badio in his days with FC Barcelona

"It looks like everything happened really fast, but it wasn't like that... I practiced really hard with Diego Ocampo in the mornings, more or less three times a week," Badio said. "We did exercises in the afternoon. So it was a lot of work, a lot of work. I appreciate it because if I hadn't done that work, I wouldn't be here today. But, I focused on training and tried to improve little by little."

 

### A professional leap in Germany

Opportunity and roster traffic pushed Badio to seek the next challenge. He followed Ocampo to Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt, transitioning from prospect to full professional overnight.

“Leaving Barça wasn’t easy. We had a very good team  — Juani Marcos, Leandro Bolmaro, Sergi Martínez, Ibou Badji — and not everyone could move up.

"With Diego \[Ocampo\] going to Germany, there was an opportunity to go with him and I went. It wasn't easy. It was a new world for him, but also for me. I was going to be a professional, a first-team player. I went there to say that I was already a professional basketball player."

The season tested him. Frankfurt finished 17th; Ocampo was dismissed in March; Badio averaged 10.6 points. When it ended, he became a free agent and headed back to Spain looking for a foothold.

 

### A one‑month chance in Manresa

That foothold arrived on May 10, 2022: a one‑month deal at injury-hit BAXI Manresa under Pedro Martinez. It was his only offer... And he grabbed it.

“My German season was over while Spain was still playing. Coach Pedro needed help, and I signed for a month. Sometimes you just have to stay ready and take the chance that’s in front of you.”

Badio playing for Manresa

Badio made an immediate impression with 7 points in his debut to beat Unicaja Malaga 100–95. He followed with 11 against Barça in his first game versus his former club and fit seamlessly alongside future EuroLeague standouts Sylvain Francisco and Chima Moneke. He re‑signed for two more seasons, finding stability and trust with Martinez. In 2023–24, he broke out: 13.4 points across 36 ACB games and a playoff push. When Martínez moved to Valencia, Badio became the first player to follow.

"Valencia is a beautiful city. The weather is always spectacular, and it's crazy to experience the new arena for the first time, for the players and the fans. With the confidence we have in Pedro, we just keep competing every night."

 

### EuroCup breakout, EuroLeague return

In Martinez’s system, Badio debuted in the BKT EuroCup and took another step: 9.6 points on elite efficiency (64.8% 2FG, 39.8% 3FG, 84.5% FT) plus 2.8 assists in 20 games. Valencia reached the EuroCup Semifinals and the Spanish League finals, and this autumn Badio realized a long‑term goal — returning to the EuroLeague, this time as a rotation piece with real responsibility.

“It’s always been a dream, but also something I believed in,” he said. “Now that I’m here, nothing changes. Same mentality. Keep doing the work and see where it takes me.”

Brancou Badio - Top Plays from Rounds 1-18

### Step by step

From a CBA scholarship to a cameo in the EuroLeague, from Frankfurt’s turbulence to Manresa’s lifeline and Valencia’s stage, Badio’s climb has been steady and intentional. He doesn’t predict; he prepares.

"You never imagine getting so far when you have started from such a low position. So that's why I say, I'm always very grateful and I try to go day by day, because I can't think too far, I just have to think about tomorrow. Step by step. I am really proud of what I have accomplished," Badio said.

Asked where he sees himself six years from now, he smiles.

“I’ll be 33. I don’t know where I’ll be, but hopefully, I will still be here in Valencia,” he said.

No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just the same approach that brought him from Rufisque to Roig Arena. Step by step.

The latest from Valencia Basket

From humble beginnings to highlight plays, Badio’s story is one of resilience, opportunity, and relentless work ethic.

Episode 3 of EuroLeague & Friends, featuring Deniz Aksoy, Vasiliki Karamouza, Giulia Cicchine, and Aleksandra Radivojevic, quickly turns into what derby conversations always become: an argument. 

EuroLeague & Friends: Ranking the EuroLeague's best derbies

Episode 3 of EuroLeague & Friends, featuring Deniz Aksoy, Vasiliki Karamouza, Giulia Cicchine, and Aleksandra Radivojevic, quickly turns into what derby conversations always become: an argument. 

The idea of ranking EuroLeague rivalries sounds simple until no one can agree on the criteria. History, tension, atmosphere, recent stakes – every derby checks different boxes, and the list starts to unravel almost as soon as it’s written.

The Serbian derby sits near the top by default, its latest chapter reinforcing why some games ignore form, standings, or logic altogether. Other rivalries push back in their own ways. Some are louder. Some feel heavier. Some don’t translate fully unless you’ve been inside the arena, where the noise, the pauses, and the momentum swings tell a different story than the broadcast ever could.

That disagreement is the point. The tier list isn’t about settling anything, but about why EuroLeague nights feel bigger than the game itself. A 43-point triple-overtime performance can happen, a coaching decision can flip a result, a last shot can define a season – but derbies live longer than all of it. They’re measured less by outcomes than by the people who leave knowing exactly where they were when it happened.

The end result wasn’t what Jared Butler or Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade hoped for, but the guard still delivered a historic performance in his team’s Round 18 loss to Paris Basketball on Tuesday night.

Jared Butler made history against Paris despite Crvena Zvezda defeat

The end result wasn’t what [Jared Butler](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jared-butler/014163/) or [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) hoped for, but the guard still delivered a historic performance in his team’s [Round 18 loss to Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-rediscovers-its-groove-against-crvena-zvezda-ends-six-game-losing-streak-in-style/) on Tuesday night.

Paris secured a 102–92 victory after taking a commanding 21-point lead (79-58) into the fourth quarter. If not for Butler’s late heroics, the margin could have been far more lopsided.

Butler exploded for 22 points in the fourth quarter, the second-most points scored in a single quarter in EuroLeague history since the stat began being tracked in 2007-08. The only player to score more is [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), who [poured in 26 third-quarter points for FC Bayern Munich in a 93-90 loss to Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/edwardss-record-night-strong-third-quarter-not-enough-as-bayern-slip-up/) last season.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade guard Jared Butler erupted for 22 points in the fourth quarter against Paris Basketball, the second-most points scored in a quarter since the stat started to be tracked in 2007-08.

Jared Butler's 22 fourth-quarter points

Those 22 points helped Butler finish with 31 for the game – a season high for any Crvena Zvezda player and tied for the second-most in club history. [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) previously [scored 31 points in an 86-84 win over CSKA Moscow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/stats/db/E2020/41/#box-score) during the 2020-21 season. The club’s single-game scoring record belongs to [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), who [had 34 points in an 88-81 victory over Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/stats/db/E2019/133/#box-score) in 2019-20.

Butler’s performance was further evidence of his rapid adjustment to EuroLeague play. He scored 20 points in Round 15 against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, followed with 27 in Round 16 against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv and now topped both with 31 against Paris.

Crvena Zvezda has won just one of its past five games, but Butler’s emergence as a legitimate offensive weapon during that stretch could pay dividends as the Serbian club looks to regain momentum in the EuroLeague playoff race.

His fourth-quarter barrage etched his name in EuroLeague history

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has exercised an option in the contract of Kobi Simmons to keep the forward at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Kobi Simmons to remain at Baskonia until end of season

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/kosner-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) has exercised an option in the contract of [Kobi Simmons](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kobi-simmons/014152/) to keep the forward at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Since signing for Baskonia on an initial two-month deal, Simmons has become a key player for coach Paolo Galbiati, playing 13 games in the EuroLeague and averaging 9.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">📰Kosner Baskonia y Kobi Simmons unidos hasta final de temporada<br><br>🔗<a href="https://t.co/IebVxtFh9b">https://t.co/IebVxtFh9b</a> <a href="https://t.co/nKQl5b8Gcs">pic.twitter.com/nKQl5b8Gcs</a></p>&mdash; Kosner Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/2003571585178062875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 28-year-old has also enjoyed a significant role for Baskonia in the Spanish League, posting 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in seven appearances.

Simmons and Baskonia next play on January 2, 2026, when they host Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the first game of the new year.

More Baskonia News

He has impressed since joining on an initial two-month deal